MasukUnfortunately, Simon had never developed actual feelings for any of those women.Alexandra was different. With her, Simon just wanted to be around her so they could keep falling into bed together.Naturally, he couldn't say that outright. So, he went with something that was close to the truth. "It was love at first sight.""You never used to be like this," Gideon said."And that's why fate's a funny thing. Alexandra's not like the others." Simon sighed dramatically. "I've figured it out—growing feelings over time isn't for me. Love at first sight is what real passion feels like."He continued, "If I fell back into my old ways and developed feelings just from spending time with someone, it would basically mean I didn't care much about who that person was. I just need to hang out with a woman long enough to fall for her. It takes away some of that spark and the rush of hormones."He grinned. "The most important part is that she's one of a kind! Any other woman just doesn't cut it.
Gideon asked, "Anything else?""There are still plenty of good people in the world. Many guys could meet that first requirement, but not many actually deserve Phoebe." Alexandra continued, "I'll be honest with you, Mr. Blackwood."Phoebe is the most amazing person I've met—hands down. Maybe I'm biased because I'm her best friend, but even objectively, she's exceptional. For instance, her professional skills and how quickly she learns things are not something just about anyone can keep up with."Sometimes, I almost wish she could stay single forever. There just aren't that many men worthy of her! If I had to pick, the guy would need serious status, be handsome, have a great body, and be loaded. His net worth would have to top mine, at least. If he can't even measure up to me, I wouldn't be impressed at all."Alexandra looked at Gideon. "Mr. Blackwood, you know very well that Phoebe has gone through a rough marriage. She's learned her lesson, and after the divorce, everything she d
Alexandra was about to pour everyone some refreshing drinks when Gideon suddenly spoke up. "Simon, go help her.""Fine, fine. I'll do the heavy lifting. That's what I get for being the unlucky one." Simon was ridiculously easy to boss around.Phoebe couldn't help but laugh. She felt like she'd been smiling and laughing nonstop all night.Alexandra led Simon off to grab the drinks.Once the two of them weren't looking, Gideon suddenly took Phoebe's hand. She turned to him, surprised.He said, "Stay here for a bit. I need to talk to Alexandra about something."Phoebe's first response was, "Is this about Connor?"Gideon was probably planning to deal with him and needed more details to report to Philip. Having someone powerful in her corner was the best thing ever—she didn't need to worry about a single thing."Yeah," he answered. His gaze then drifted to her lips.Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alexandra heading back, so he let go of Phoebe's hand and stood.Alexandra noti
Phoebe was busy trying to keep the peace between Simon and Alexandra, who were low-key competing for her attention, when she looked down and noticed the perfect piece of fish on her plate. Gideon had deboned it for her.When did he even do that? Were those flawless hands of his capable of something so delicate?Simon was just as shocked. He looked like he'd discovered a whole new world. "Damn, you're so domestic."Gideon shot him a look.Simon let out a dramatic whistle and whined, "I want one, too! I want it! I—"Gideon's gaze took on a warning edge. "Shut it."Then, he picked another piece of fish, carefully removed every last bone, and placed it on Phoebe's plate as everyone watched.Phoebe had yet to eat the first piece of fish, so he commanded, "Eat it in one bite."She did exactly that, like she was under a spell. She swallowed it after a few chews, chasing it down with a sip of broth. Only after it hit her stomach did she realize how hungry she actually was.And Ronald'
In just this short time together, all the headaches Connor had caused faded completely from Phoebe's mind. She was fully immersed in the simple happiness of the moment.She stepped in to smooth things over. "Alexandra, just take the food."Truth be told, watching Alexandra and Simon bicker actually made her pretty happy, even if she felt a little bad for Alexandra. It was a tiny twinge of guilt, at least.Simon chimed in, "Yeah, it's just some food. Don't fuss over it."He held the plate out to her and urged, "Come on, I washed my hands before dinner. Don't turn me down."Alexandra rolled her eyes but still took the plate. Naturally, it was only because Phoebe was watching.Phoebe was satisfied. Simon really had helped out that night, so she turned to him and said, "Sometimes you're kind of a handful, but other times you feel like the sun—warm, full of energy, and always so passionate."Even a stagnant life would ripple because of him.Her sudden compliment caught Simon complet
Gideon narrowed his eyes. How could this be the same thing? The plate of food that was supposed to be his had been snatched away.Alexandra was equally pissed. Did she look happy about this? That plate of food was the one Phoebe had gotten for her!Simon picked up his untouched plate, piled food on it, and handed it to Alexandra. "There. This one's yours."She and Phoebe were both rendered speechless. At the same time, Phoebe felt like she'd just watched a skit. She also realized that Simon was a total drama queen.It was just food. Why did he have to make it so complicated?Alexandra was an expert at socializing, so she naturally knew how to read the room. Simon clearly wasn't thrilled that Phoebe had served her, so he'd gone out of his way to make sure that he could do it instead.Alexandra wasn't arrogant enough to assume Simon was interested in her, but his actions were pretty blatant. Even with the detour, his intentions were obvious.The night they'd unexpectedly slept tog







